FOREVER KNIGHTS: #13 Salvaging Souls

Merwood, Dread Hideout

ACHARIUS

Acharius had been unable to resist a refreshing flight today. I need it to clear my head.

He knew as the red beast he was easily distinguished in the sky like a burning flame. Making him easy to track.

The Captain’s harsh words were weighing heavily in his mind.

He wants me to stay away from her. Acharius landed heavily on the Bell Tower. Verifying nothing followed. He tipped down and began slithering his way down the heavy flowered vines winding the nearly white stone.

Midway down he’d turned into the man and let the weight of his legs swing around below him, so he climbed down as a man shimmying down from the great height. As he reached the bottom, glittering red flakes rained around him.

Scales floating down from when I abandoned my dragon form. As the shimmering bits landed on the sun kissed grass around him, he headed for the deeper trees where the vines got so dense one could hardly walk through them.

When he reached the narrow opening before the mouth of his cave, he found Bast awaiting him.

Oh, hell.

“You’ve already heard my thoughts.” Acharius stated more then asked.

“You’re thinking of abandoning the girl?”

I didn’t know I’d been sending out any telepathic messages tonight.

“I am.” Acharius affirmed. “Though I hadn’t thought of it as abandonment but as sparing.”

“Think of it how you wish. ’Tis still wronging her.” Bast was decisive. “Especially now when she has no one else.”

She’ll see it that way. He knew. Shoulders slumping.

“You say this? The man that keeps his woman under lock and key, so she won’t flee him!” Acharius noted a hardening on Bast’s face that indicated he’d struck a nerve.

That was crueler than I’d intended. He was making me feel bad.

And I’m still grieving the loss of my truest friends.

“I apologize Bast. You know you’re like a brother to me. When your words sting so shall mine.” Acharius stated, placatingly. Before beating his chest over his heart with a fist. “And I’m broken and angry looking for a target for my pain.”

“I understand.”

“Why shouldn’t I leave her?” Acharius asked passively. “It’s what the Captain has told me to do.”

“That was before.” Bast pointed out.

Before Karina slaughtered Mags and Aggie.

“She deserves better then to be tossed aside and you owe yourself more than denied affections. Not all of us have the same sort of opportunity you’ve been presented.” Bast struggled to contain his frustration.

Why angry with me? He mulled it a moment before the answer developed in his mind.

“Your irate because I’d toss aside what you’ve been unable to establish with your Elsabet?” Acharius queried in shock.

Bast’s eyes narrowed. “Perhaps I am.”

“I wish only to keep her safe and give her happiness.”

But I’ve nothing to offer the woman.

“It’s a sad day, my friend, because it hasn’t occurred to you, you might be that which you speak of. You’re far too humble. You should be more like me.” Bast grumbled.

Acharius scoffed. “I don’t think the world could take much more of you.”

Bast smirked. “You’re jealous.” He mocked. It was apparent his ire had subsided.

Back to his usual mockery. Acharius was aware Bast was a brilliant antagonist.

“It’s truly no wonder so many of us have come to blows with you at some point or another.”

“Ah.” Bast lifted his finger in acknowledgement. “But none more than Alazareth.”

Acharius laughed. Sometimes the twins are inseparable comrades and a moment later they’re rolling in the mud thrashing each other.

“He does quite hate me on occasion.” Bast commented of his twin.

Acharius sombered quickly. “You think I should wed her?”

“I think you certainly shouldn’t discard her. If you do, I’ll not stand by your decision.” Bast’s tone boded ill for Acharius.

But my mind is made up. I’ll not let him change it now.

I must do as the Captain, our alpha, directed.

The Captain’s words couldn’t be dismissed.

No matter how persuasive Bast’s arguments were.

“I will speak to the Captain on your behalf.” Bast murmured.

Acharius gave him a side eye. “You were listening to my thoughts.”

Bast shrugged.

How often does he really here us?

“All the time!” Bast answered as he waved over one shoulder. Leaving.